Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies to Spread Holiday Joy

Why Make This Recipe

Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a festive treat that brings holiday cheer to any gathering. Their delightful combination of buttery cookie and sweet jam makes them a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, they are fun to make, allowing you to get creative with your choice of jam and even add your personal touch with sprinkles or nuts. These cookies not only taste amazing, but they also look beautiful on any holiday dessert table.

How to Make Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup salted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
• 1 cup jam (any favorite variety)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a stand mixer, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and baking powder until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully blended and smooth.
4. Gradually add all-purpose flour on low speed until just combined, ensuring not to overwork the dough.
5. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them at least 1 inch apart on a baking sheet.
7. Use your thumb or a rounded tool to create a small well in the center of each dough ball.
8. Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite jam into each indentation, but avoid overfilling!
9. Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve them on a decorative plate or in a festive tin. You can enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa. They also make great gifts when packaged nicely.

How to Store Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Tips to Make Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

• Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for better mixing.
• Experiment with different jams or even chocolate ganache for the center.
• For a festive touch, add crushed nuts or sprinkles to the dough before baking.

Variation

For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. You can also try using different flavor extracts like almond or peppermint for a unique twist.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sugar?
Yes, you can use coconut sugar or brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a different flavor.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day before and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.

What type of jam should I use?
You can use any jam you like! Popular choices include raspberry, strawberry, apricot, and blueberry. Get creative with your favorites!

Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

These festive cookies combine buttery flavors with sweet jam, making them a favorite treat for the holidays.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Baking, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 100

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cookie Base

• 1 cup salted butter (softened) Ensure butter is at room temperature for better mixing.
• 1 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar) Coconut sugar can be used for a different flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative) Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.

Filling

• 1 cup jam (any favorite variety) Popular choices include raspberry, strawberry, apricot, and blueberry.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a stand mixer, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and baking powder until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully blended and smooth.
4. Gradually add all-purpose flour on low speed until just combined, ensuring not to overwork the dough.
5. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Baking

1. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them at least 1 inch apart on a baking sheet.
2. Use your thumb or a rounded tool to create a small well in the center of each dough ball.
3. Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite jam into each indentation, but avoid overfilling!
4. Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden.
5. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve them on a decorative plate or in a festive tin. They also make great gifts when packaged nicely. Store in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months with parchment paper between layers.